VAN BUREN, Ark — A spokesperson for Tyson Foods inc. has confirmed reports that the company has "made the difficult decision to close [the] Van Buren, Arkansas plant effective May 12, 2023."
The company says that the decision "reflects [their] broader strategy to strengthen [their] poultry business by optimizing operations and utilizing full available capacity at each plant."
The company went on to say that employees were their top priority and that they plan to "work directly with impacted team members to help ensure they have the option to apply for open positions and relocation assistance where applicable to other Tyson Foods facilities."
The plant will be closed on May 12 and shift demand to other facilities.
Tyson also said they are coordinating with state and local agencies and officials for resources to help the workers. According to the company, the closing will impact over 900 total workers at the plant.